The 7 wonders of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country with a scenic incredible variety and impressive abundance of flora and fauna. In such a small area, it houses about 4% of the world’s biodiversity in a variety of different habitats. These properties turn Costa Rica into a unique tourist destination that impresses even the “Ticos”.

In a survey conducted by the Costa Rican newspaper La Nación, the ‘Ticos’ were able to decide which places represent the scenic diversity and beauty of their country. The most popular destinations have been designated as the 7 wonders of Costa Rica and are of great tourist value.

Marino Ballena National Park

Founded in 1992, the Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita is the first marine national park in all of Central America. Every year from July to October the Ballena Bay is transformed into a fascinating natural spectacle for the observation of humpback whales and dolphins of different species. Other special features in the national park are the striking Tombolo in the form of a tail fin and the 15 km of virgin sand beaches.

La Paz Waterfalls

Along the slopes of the Poás volcano flows the La Paz River, which forms at least five imposing waterfalls on the way to the valley surrounded by tropical rainforest. The La Paz Waterfall is the most famous and with its 34 m one of the most impressive. During the visit of the waterfalls you can enjoy the unique freshness of the tropical environment.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

In the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, you can explore four different forests in a short time: tropical dry forest, lowland rainforest, mountain rain forest and cloud forest. A very special atmosphere is created by the presence of volcanic mud and damp fumaroles due to the activity of the volcano Rincón de la Vieja. The visit to the national park is therefore a unique experience, which you should not miss during your visit to Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park was created in 1972 after the reconquest of the territory by the ‘Ticos’ occupied by the United Fruit Company for its crops. Nowadays the park invites you to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, a multitude of paradisiac beaches, dense forests and has a huge biodiversity. For a good reason, according to the renowned magazine Forbes Manuel Antonio is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.

Nature conservation area and cloud forest Monteverde

Thanks to its natural wealth, representing 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, the Monteverde Nature Reserve is a jewel of the cloud forests. It contains 3,021 plant species, including 34 orchid species. In addition, Monteverde is home to a variety of animal species, including the majestic Quetzal. Apart from its overwhelming natural beauty, Monteverde invites you to several leisure activities such as zip lining or hanging bridges.

Tortuguero National Park

The adventure in Tortuguero National Park begins with a boat trip through various canals to the fishing village Tortuguero, which is completely cut off from traffic. The main attraction of the park is the spectacle of the amazing nesting of the green sea turtle on the beach of Tortuguero from July to October. A hike through the dense rain forest with the observation of howler monkeys, various frog and snake species as well as most colorful birds is also worthwhile.

Río Celeste (Light Blue River)

With an intense light blue color, the Celeste River awaits you in the middle of a tropical forest inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Its particular coloration is due to an optical effect caused by the reflection of light blue light on a whitish mineral mixture at the bottom of the river. Other attractions are the light blue waterfall and the lagoon, natural hot springs, the “Teñideros”, the “coloring place”, where the water takes its light blue color, and a nice view of the Tenorio volcano.